Democrats are showing up for the election this year in North Dakota. Most encouraging is the number of young people turning out to make phone calls, knock on doors, join parades, and anything else the party needs. We also have our share of party stalwarts to lead the way. This year, the party is brimming with excitement and enthusiasm. We’re poised to make gains this year while building a solid core for the future.
Statewide, Democrats are organized in the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party. Here is a brief description on ballotopedia.
The Democratic-Nonpartisan League Party is a result of a merger between the Nonpartisan League and the Democratic Party in North Dakota in 1960. The traditionally liberal Nonpartisan League grew out of an early twentieth century movement to put control of the state government and economy in the hands of the people. The Nonpartisan League was formed in 1915 and became the state's controlling party by 1918
…
(T)o unite liberals under one banner, the Nonpartisan League and the Democratic Party moved toward consolidation in the 1950s finally agreeing to run a unified ticket in 1956 and eventually merging in 1960.
This year, Democratic candidates are running for federal, statewide and local offices throughout North Dakota. Out of 59 candidates listed on the ND legislative candidate page, 33 are women. North Dakota, with upwards of 90% of its residents being white, is probably the whitest place I will ever live. Still, we need to work for more Indigenous American and other minority candidates in future elections here.
Nationally, Heidi Heidkamp is running to keep her senate seat and Mac Schneider is running for the house. Hopefully, they’ll both win and make Kevin Cramer regret leaving his safe house seat. Down ballot, there are lots of well qualified candidates. Let’s give them credit for working to turn a red state blue. For those that do get elected, we can keep reminding them of the progressive ideals and policies that will guide us to a brighter future for all.
Today, North Dakota Democrats joined the West Fest parade in West Fargo.
Here we are gathering before the parade.
Then, everybody got together for a group photo.
Now, just the Mac Schneider folks. That’s Mac holding his daughter on the left side of the photo. Go, Mac, put a D on the ND house seat, with our help, of course.
You can’t have politicians gather without getting media attention. Here, Heidi Heitkamp is interviewed by a local news station, WDAY.
Let’s not forget the people running for ND seats. Here is Josh Boschee, running for Secretary of State. Election integrity is important here like everywhere. We’ve had our threats and shenanigans too. Let’s put Josh in office to give us direction and clean up the process. And, yes, that is a Wizard of Oz float following us. They were awesome.
A number of other candidates or their reps were there too. I met Jim Dotzenrod, who is eminently qualified to be our next Agriculture Commissioner, as well as, David Thompson, who will be a welcome improvement as Attorney General, and Jeannie Brandt, who will be a great addition to the ND Public Service Commission. I have met Kylie Oversen at a previous parade. She promises to be an excellent and fair Tax Commissioner.
I also met a few other candidates, but I must apologize for not remembering everybody. At any rate, once we had gathered, it was time for the parade through West Fargo, where candidates shook hands and spoke with interested residents, while the rest of us handed out candy, stickers and flags.
Overall, it was a a lot of fun. I was too busy handing out candy and talking to people to get more pictures. Many were happy to see Democrats and showed their support. Yes, this is West Fargo, but I have seen similar responses at the other parades I attended in other communities this year.
We have to keep up the enthusiasm for another 7 weeks. There will be disappointments, but we will keep going. I have done very little compared to most Democratic volunteers. Thanks for all of your efforts. In the coming days, I have to get back on the phone, knock on doors, sit at tables, or whatever else the Democratic office asks me to do.
We are working to turn this red state blue. Keep working for Democrats wherever you are.